The circular economy of life

In part seven of The Big Questions series, we look at the steps the food and beverage industry must take in order to successfully introduce a circular economy

In previous stories on SIGnals, we’ve looked at how the food and beverage industry can adopt a circular economy model. From fully recyclable beverage cartons, to changing the way consumers view and approach sustainability, to ensuring every material involved in creating a drinks carton comes from a responsibly managed source. All of which begs the question: can it be done? Can food and drink production really run on zero waste?

Take and make – without waste

According to FoodDrinkEurope, a food industry confederation representing the EU food and beverage industry, a circular economy within the food and beverage industry means “preserving the value of resources (raw materials, water and energy) that go into producing food and drink products for as long as possible.”

In addition to this, the industry must also learn how to provide a steady supply of high-quality products while taking into account food waste, resource efficiency, environmental performance, sustainable sourcing, and consumer awareness.

Putting theory into practise

We’ll start with two critical topics: recycling and sustainability. At SIG, we’re huge advocates of both – striving to make long-term changes within every step of our supply chain. 

This means working with partners who provide responsibly sourced materials – such as our global network of FSC^TM-certified paperboard suppliers. It also means finding the balance between adapting to new trends and reducing our environmental impact: for example, meeting the growing demand for single-serve packs without increasing our consumption of energy or raw materials.

At SIG, we already strive to use the least amount of materials possible for our packaging. A move which has saved us more than 4,850 tonnes of polymer since 2016. We’ve also worked hard to get to a point where our aseptic packs are made using 100% renewable energy – becoming the first provider in the industry to do so.

That’s not all. Our mission extends far outside our factories: to our partners, customers and the greater community. It’s why we work with other companies to promote public awareness and improve infrastructure for collecting and recycling used beverage cartons.

Because we know that ensuring a circular economy means working together to create a global shift in mindset. Which brings us onto another important factor influencing the way we create food and beverage packaging: consumer trends and demands.

The circular economy and future trends

How are consumers affecting the way the industry approaches packaging? And how can producers meet growing health, safety and sustainability concerns while reducing their carbon footprint?

Changing demographics, an increase in one-person households, and more accountability are among the many factors literally re-shaping food and beverage packaging. Leading to smaller packs and more focus on design, with some manufacturers adding QR code labels to inform consumers about the supply chain.

Efforts to create more convenient packaging also help with a major industry challenge: food loss. According to data from the Waste and Resources Action Programme – in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations – approximately one-third of all food produced worldwide is lost. Most of which could be avoided. A large figure, no doubt, but one that’s being stripped down with each innovation in packaging. Take aseptic packaging, for example, which is designed to store food for long periods without the need for refrigeration or preservatives.

What next?

Sourcing, manufacturing, filling, distributing and, finally, recycling. To successfully introduce a circular economy within the food and beverage industry, we need to introduce large-scale change at every step in the chain. For the most part, the signs are positive. Indicating that it is, indeed, possible to achieve such a goal.

But change won’t happen overnight, or next week, or even in a year. And so, everyone involved in the industry must work together. From taking simple steps like turning wasted products into fertilizer, all the way to embracing innovations such as depackaging technology, which separates food from its packaging in order for food waste processors to recycle more.

Taking everything we’ve explored into account – and with our own ambition to be net positive by contributing more to society and the environment than we take out – we truly believe in a future where food and beverage manufacturers can build and sustain a circular economy model.

Want to know more about going circular and creating a net positive food supply system? Get in touch or learn more about our vision to go Way Beyond Good.  

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